Podcasts

Matthew Mayer is a busy guy – in addition to an MBA, a young family and a successful business career, he is also an award-winning, internationally renowned, Billboard-charting piano artist. Oh yes, and also a podcaster (“Going Solo”,) blogger, and founder of the popular online collective for piano artists, solopiano.com. During this special music careers episode, Matthew shares about his trajectory from piano lessons to business school to working at NBC in LA, discusses his approach to both his music and business careers, how having financial freedom allows him to pursue different avenues for his music, and how changing his perspective from stressful time management to maximizing his energy has helped him to achieve success and “getting it all done.”

Cherie Hu, an award-winning music business journalist, was on track to be a classical pianist through Juilliard’s pre-college program when a teacher suggested an alternative program of dual studies. That brought Cherie to Harvard, majoring in math and stats, while writing for the university arts blog and an arts column for the Harvard Crimson magazine. Cherie’s musical talents combined with data analysis gave her a fascination of the intersection of tech and music, ultimately leading her towards her current exciting and prominent career as a music + tech journalist. During this music careers interview, Cherie walks us through her trajectory as a musician and ultimately a music journalist, the parallels between math and music, AI, Spotify playlists and its profound effects upon music creation and discovery, how she stays on the cutting edge of tech and music trends, and more.

In her early 20’s, Lauren Deakin Davies has already experienced success and and acclaim as an award-winning record producer in the UK. Her hit work has already garnered her two “Producer of the Year” awards from NMG and a Breakthrough Studio Engineer award from Pro Sounds. Her production work has been featured on BBC shows and reviewed by the Sunday Times, and her plate is full working with artists from every genre. Starting out as an acoustic songwriter and performer in an all-girl band in her teens, Lauren has experienced both sides of the “studio glass” as an artist and now an engineer, which brings her a unique perspective when working with artists. She has also recently launched her solo music career as Didi, releasing a new EP, “Green” on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming platforms. In this music careers episode, Lauren shares her musical journey as artist, producer, writer and engineer, and shares her secrets to success and how to get exposure in a competitive music industry landscape.

Eric “Boots” Greene has been drumming since the age of 2, and has been blessed with the gift of music ever since he can remember. From performing in his family’s church to teaching himself keyboards, instruments and learning “The Wiz” entirely by ear, Boots had a profound talent for music and knew he was meant to perform with fellow greats. A Philly native, he started touring with Jill Scott while still in his teens and continued his career from there, performing with Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell, and Jay-Z. Boots is also a gifted songwriter/producer, producing his own albums as well as for other artists. During this music career episode, Boots shares about the importance of faith, standing in your truth, never resting on your laurels, and to keep looking towards the horizon.

With over a decade of experience in the tech landscape as a software developer and entrepreneur, Jongnic Bontemps has an intimate knowledge of the marriage of music and tech, especially in today’s music industry. Jongnic has made a name for himself as a prolific and sought-after film composer, scoring for features, documentaries, shorts, VR, video games and more. His music is featured in the blockbuster hit movie “Creed II” as well as The New York Times and Tribeca favorite documentary “United Skates,” Sundance selection “Leimert Park,” and others. In this episode, Jongnic walks us through his music career trajectory, from Yale to Silicon Valley, USC’s film scoring program and Sundance Film Music Lab, and also discusses the unique perspective and innovative opportunities his tech and software experience have provided him in his successful career. He shares his valuable insight and experience in film scoring, music production, supporting your art and music entrepreneurship, as well as the importance of creating long-lasting relationships in the music business.

Ben C. McLane, Esq, has had decades of experience working with bands and artists, first working as an artist manager during college before going on to get his law degree and immersing himself in all things related to music business and music law as an attorney. He has written hundreds of articles, won awards for his work, has been featured as a speaker at worldwide music conferences and events, served as an educator in music schools, and has participated in projects involving the best and the brightest music superstars today, from Beyonce to Jay Z to MJ, J Lo and beyond. During this episode, Ben talks about his decision to become a lawyer specializing in the music business, his music law career trajectory, his book, “Music Business in 10 Easy Lessons,” and what artists can learn when working with a label or going the independent route.

Danelle Harvey has dealt with major success as well as adversity during her music career. But her courage, integrity, and knowing exactly who she is has propelled her through hardship and lifted her to new heights throughout her journey. Danelle is the epitome of a go-getter, with two(!) law degrees, an indie label, pop stardom, as well as a lifelong career as an entrepreneur and now, a published author. Her book, “Music & Money: A Success Guide for Female Music Creators, Recording Artists, Songwriters and Musicians: How to Start a Music Career and Succeed in Music Business” has been steadily rising in the charts on Amazon (and it’s for men, too!). During the episode Danelle talks about her unique career trajectory and her strategy for success in all areas of life, no matter what the odds.

Lisa Husseini, CEO of iCadenza, knows what it feels like to be on a music career path that doesn’t seem like the right fit. A graduate of prestigious music schools like The Hartt School of Music and New England Conservatory of Music, Lisa was well on her way to becoming a professional musician when she realized it wasn’t where she truly wanted to be. Her subsequent journey led her to several arts administration positions until she found iCadenza, a boutique agency that offers coaching, consulting, and project management for professional musicians and arts organizations. Her timing could not have been more perfect, as the agency did not yet exist when she first started her search. During this episode, Lisa shares her unique career trajectory and her determination to look “outside the box” when it came to finding her perfect dream music job.

Jeff Weiss, writer and journalist, loves LA. He writes for national publications but has always been a strong advocate of LA’s underground hip hop scene and independent music. His online magazine Passion of the Weiss is considered to be the preeminent (and usually the first) source of coverage for up-and-coming artists. In addition to co-authoring the book “2Pac vs. Biggie: An Illustrated History of Rap’s Biggest Battle,” he runs an independent record label, POW Recordings, and is about to launch The LAnd Magazine, a Los Angeles-based publication “for locals, by locals.” In this music careers episode, Jeff talks about his writing trajectory, the evolution of the media landscape (and how to survive it,) surrounding yourself with people whom you respect and admire, and focusing on your craft, no matter what.

Kevin Nixon and Sarah Clayman are music industry veterans who have dedicated their careers to give back to the next generation of music industry stars. They developed DIME, a music institute with locations in Detroit, MI and Denver, CO (as well as online,) with a focus on modern music education and degree programs for music students who want a long-term career in the music biz. During this episode, both Sarah and Kevin discuss their significant music career trajectories: Kevin, a incredibly talented and experienced musician/songwriter, worked with top-charting bands as well as managing and producing several other top acts, and Sarah, who got her chops working on tours for Prince and Michael Jackson and was snapped up by Sony Music UK as International Promotions Manager. Both Kevin and Sarah explain how they prepare their students for every aspect of a music career, and how to find a career in modern music that will be sustainable as well as successful.